Riverbank Lupine | Lupinus rivularis

A field of blooming purple and white lupine flowers against a blue sky, showcasing their tall and delicate structure.
The image features tall purple and white lupine flowers against a backdrop of blue sky with scattered clouds.
The image shows a dense bush covered in clusters of purple flowers, likely a type of lupine, set against a green landscape.
A field of blooming purple and white lupine flowers against a blue sky, showcasing their tall and delicate structure.
The image features tall purple and white lupine flowers against a backdrop of blue sky with scattered clouds.
The image shows a dense bush covered in clusters of purple flowers, likely a type of lupine, set against a green landscape.

River lupine is a rapidly growing sub shrub that produces beautiful two toned pea-like flowers that range from deep purple to creamy white. Flowers bloom from March to August. The stems are reddish-brown and become woody at times. Leaves are well spaced throughout the stem with 5-9 leaflets. This species is an adept nitrogen fixer. 

Caution: all lupine species are extremely toxic to livestock!

 

Plant Details

Habitats Riparian Forests, Riverbanks
Habitat Notes Found only in Pacific Northwest riparian areas, marshes, stream banks, and moist meadows
Phenology Perennial; flowering March-August
Mature Height Up to 2 feet
Shade Preference Full sun, part shade
Soil Tolerance Moist to wet fine textured soil
Special Uses Endangered species list in Canada